The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has placed restrictions on allowing safaris and yachts arriving from foriegn countries to dock at islands. The decision was taken by the Director General of Public Health under the State of Public Health Emergency.
HPA said yachts and safaris will no longer be allowed to arrive in the Maldives until further notice.
13 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Maldives. Earlier this week, two people aboard a safari anchored in the Maldives had tested positive for the virus. An additional person aboard a different safari is currently being tested for the virus after they developed symptoms of COVID-19.
The government has stepped up its efforts to contain the virus in the recent days. In this regard, all arrivals in the archipelago from severely infected regions have been suspended indefinitely. Movement within resorts and islands have also been restricted. While all schools have been closed, government offices have also been closed for a one week period. Congregational prayers and Friday prayers at the mosques have also been halted in the capital. The government has advised against all non-essential travel.
